Men involved in drug bust named

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, February 25, 2009

SANILAC COUNTY— Two Huron County men arrested Sunday morning during a drug bust handled by the Sanilac County Drug Task Force have been arraigned in district court on felony drug charges.

Arrested were Anthony M. Spencer, 29, of Bad Axe and Jeffrey Hatch, 26, of Caseville, according to William Gray, director of the Sanilac County Drug Task Force.

Spencer and Hatch each face two counts of delivery and manufacture of a controlled substance (cocaine) less than 50 grams, felony charges that carry a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison and/or $25,000 fine if the men are convicted. The two also face a lesser charge of possession of marijuana, a charge that carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine if convicted.

Gray said a third person, a 26-year-old man with “a Cass City mailing address” will also be charged in connection with Sunday’s drug bust. Initially, task force officials reported both Huron County men were from Caseville. At that time the names of the individuals involved were not released by officials because they had not yet been arraigned on charges.

Spencer, Hatch and the Cass City man all were under surveillance by Sanilac County Drug Task Force investigators when they allegedly drove from northern Sanilac County to Detroit Saturday afternoon.

Surveillance continued overnight until the three began driving back. The men made their way in to Marlette around 4 a.m. Sunday, when the vehicle was stopped by police.

The street value of the drugs seized is approximately $5,000, according to Gray, who added that dollar amount depends on the cutting methods and packaging amounts.

All three men were arrested and transported to the Sanilac County Jail. Both Spencer and Hatch remain lodged in jail. Bond for Spencer was set at $20,000/10 percent and bond for Hatch was set at $15,000/10 percent.

The Cass City man was released from the Sanilac County Jail. Gray said the Cass City man, whose name is not being released at this time, has not yet been charged.